Srinagar, Dec 17:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday presided over the 17th Annual Convention of the Adventure Tour Operators’ Association of India (ATOAI) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar, highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s immense potential as a leading adventure tourism destination.
Addressing the convention, the Chief Minister emphasised that safety, sustainability and capacity-building must remain the core pillars for the sector’s long-term growth. He said Jammu and Kashmir offers unparalleled opportunities for adventure tourism, owing to its diverse topography, natural beauty and unique climatic conditions.
Omar Abdullah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a robust ecosystem to support adventure tourism through improved infrastructure, development of skilled manpower and comprehensive policy support. He noted that a well-structured approach would not only help position Jammu and Kashmir prominently on the global adventure tourism map but also generate sustainable livelihoods for local youth and communities.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of responsible tourism practices to ensure environmental conservation while promoting economic growth. He also underscored the need for collaboration between the government, tour operators and local stakeholders to unlock the full potential of the sector.
The convention brought together adventure tourism professionals, policymakers and stakeholders from across the country to discuss emerging trends, challenges and opportunities in adventure tourism.
